Supreme Court declines to expunge Delhi HC remarks against WFI over Vinesh Phogat row

Supreme Court Upholds Delhi HC Remarks in WFI Case

On June 4, 2026, the Supreme Court of India declined to expunge the remarks made by the Delhi High Court regarding the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) in the context of wrestler Vinesh Phogat's participation in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials. A bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Aravind Kumar stated that the WFI's petition against the High Court's order had become infructuous as Phogat had already participated in the trials following the Supreme Court's interim order dated May 29.

The bench highlighted that the Delhi High Court's observations were made in light of Phogat's eligibility to compete, which the WFI contested. The Supreme Court indicated that since the situation had changed and the athlete was permitted to compete, the matter at hand had lost its relevance for judicial consideration.

This ruling illustrates the judiciary's commitment to athlete rights and the importance of timely interventions to ensure fairness in sports-related disputes. The decision reinforces the notion that courts will uphold the participatory rights of athletes in competitive events.

For legal practitioners, this ruling underscores the importance of navigating sports law effectively, especially regarding timely judicial measures that can impact athletes' careers. It also highlights the significant role courts play in ensuring that federations adhere to fair procedural standards.